Chief Secretary Santhi holds review meet to prevent traffic jams in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Telangana Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari held a review meeting with senior officials on the prevention of traffic jams caused by sudden torrential rains in Greater Hyderabad on June 7 (Friday).
The meeting, held as per the Chief Minister’s instructions, was attended by DGP Ravi Gupta, DG Disaster Management and Fire Services Nagi Reddy, Principal Secretary Municipal Administration Department Dana Kishore, GHMC Commissioner Ronald Rose, Water Board MD Sudarshan Reddy, and Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda Police Commissioners.
The meeting discussed immediate actions to prevent stagnation and permanent measures.
The Chief Secretary has mentioned that the city’s residents are facing significant issues due to heavy rains. She has instructed officials to create an action plan outlining immediate measures to prevent and minimise these problems. She has also recommended that the weather forecast be promptly sent to relevant officials and WhatsApp groups representing civil society to keep them informed about necessary precautions.
Santhi Kumari stressed the need for a suitable system to provide rain-related information in Hyderabad. Approximately 134 areas in the city have been identified as vulnerable to water accumulation. She asked officials to propose prevention measures and suggested that a committee consisting of GHMC, the water board, the police, SPDCL, and other departments inspect these areas and make appropriate suggestions for their prevention.
The Chief Secretary informed us that in order to store rainwater in Hyderabad city, large standard water storage tanks are being constructed in several areas, of which three are already in progress.
Santhi Kumari was asked to suggest steps to be taken to further strengthen the Disaster Response Unit under GHMC. GHMC officials have been directed to provide additional cranes to remove vehicles in congested areas of the city, mainly Cyberabad, if they break down on the roads.
Municipal Department Principal Secretary Dana Kishore said that 630 monsoon support teams from GHMC, Jalmandali, SPDCL, and police have been deployed in the field to promptly respond to sudden rains, waterlogging, and floods in Hyderabad city.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
